Allergen Exposure

Geographical distributionThe Mink is a small mammal of the Mustelidae family. This animal is a semi-aquatic carnivore related to the Weasel, and characterised by a slender body and thick, soft, dark-brown, durable fur that is highly valued commercially. To supply the demands of the fur industry, Minks are raised on a large scale on fur farms.

EnvironmentSee under Geographical distribution.

AllergensAllergens with the same molecular weight were found in the fur and urine extracts, the most prominent allergenic bands being of 62-67 kDa, 23-25 kDa and 18-19 kDa (1).

Potential Cross-Reactivity

In a report on Ferret allergy, the authors note that in a Mink-allergic subject, specific IgG to Ferret interfered with the specific IgE measurement; it was hypothesised that the Mink-allergic subject's serum contained similar and competing antibodies (2). Mink is a mammal of the same family as Ferret.

A patient who developed occupational asthma, characterised by dry cough, dyspoea, wheezing, rhinoconjunctival itching, sneezing and rhinorrhoea as a result of exposure to Mink urine has been reported. Skin-specific IgE was positive to Mink urine and negative to Mink pelt (5).